Homelessness and Poverty: Three Opportunities to Understand and Take Action
In October, three closely connected events invite us to pay greater attention to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. From World Homeless Day on October 10, to Quebec’s Nuit des sans-abri on October 16, and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, the same call emerges: see, understand, and take action.
October 10: Better Understanding Homelessness
Established in 2010, World Homeless Day helps raise awareness of the realities faced by people without stable housing and the many factors that can lead to homelessness.
In Quebec, the housing crisis is making these challenges even more acute. Poverty, high rents, loss of housing, discrimination, mental health issues, addictions, or leaving an institution can intersect in many different ways in a person’s life.
Taking action therefore means not only providing emergency assistance, but also focusing on prevention and access to stable housing. The Old Brewery Mission and the Collectif québécois pour la prévention de l’itinérance have documented, among other issues, ways to prevent homelessness related to judicial and correctional processes.
October 16: “Making the Invisible Visible”
Source: Nuit des sans-abri
This reflection will take on a very concrete dimension with the 37th Nuit des sans-abri, on Friday, October 16, 2026, under the theme “Making the Invisible Visible.”
Since 1989, this major Quebec-wide movement has created spaces where people experiencing homelessness can make their voices heard and where the public is invited to challenge stereotypes. Community gatherings, personal stories, activities, information booths hosted by community organizations, snacks, and awareness initiatives are among the activities offered.
Events will take place at St. Mark Park in Longueuil, as well as at Place Simon-Valois and Place Émilie-Gamelin in Montreal. To find an event in your area, consult the Nuit des sans-abri program.
From Homelessness to the Fight Against Poverty
Source: pexels-arina-dmitrieva
The fact that the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty follows on October 17 is particularly meaningful. It provides an opportunity to broaden our perspective: behind homelessness are also issues related to income, housing, access to services, exclusion, and respect for human rights.
Together, these three events remind us that responses must be both compassionate and collective: listening without judgment, supporting community organizations, donating clothing or food according to identified needs, volunteering, participating in awareness activities, and supporting measures that help prevent housing loss and exclusion.
This reality is of deep concern to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), who have long supported various organizations assisting people experiencing homelessness and poverty. This commitment is rooted in a shared conviction: every person deserves to be welcomed with respect and to live with dignity.
This October, making the invisible visible also means choosing not to look away.